Status Grand Prix Paul Ricard test notes day two

Status Grand Prix's three drivers continued to get to grips with the new Renault-powered
Dallara GP3 Series car, as the second day of running concluded the series' inaugural test
at Paul Ricard HTTT today.
The team's cars covered over ...

Status Grand Prix's three drivers continued to get to grips with the new Renault-powered
Dallara GP3 Series car, as the second day of running concluded the series' inaugural test
at Paul Ricard HTTT today.

The team's cars covered over 800kms, gathering invaluable set-up data and tyre
information as the 10 teams competing in the new Formula One support-series settled
down to some intensive testing.

Lebanon's Daniel Morad covered the most distance of Status GP's trio, overcoming the
loss of track time on day one to complete 71 laps and be in the top 10 of the times when he
was on track. Although a clutch issue prevented him getting a representative time on the
softer compound of Pirelli tyre, he finished pleased to have learnt so much about the car.

Russian Ivan Lukashevich, the 18-year-old Marussia Motors development driver, continued
his progress with 70 consistent laps, closing on the ultimate pace by nearly a second as he
continues his learning curve having stepped up to the 280hp car.

Robert Wickens also covered more mileage than had been possible on the first day. Time
was lost in the morning to a recurrence of the first day's gearbox issue, but the Canadian
had the opportunity to settle into the groove during the afternoon. At the end of the day, as
times tumbled on Pirelli's softer tyre, an engine-related problem was cured with five
minutes left and Wickens grabbed one flying lap on new tyres which put him in the top 10.

The Drivers' View

Daniel Morad (LEB): (Laps: 71; Best time: 1m21.69s; Pos: 20th).
"To have a real chance to familiarise myself with the new GP3 car was great, and we really
began to progress. OK, so my main run on soft tyres was cut short by a red flag, but we're
not here to set times, we're here to learn and we achieved a lot."

Ivan Lukashevich (RUS): (Laps: 70; Best time: 1m23.52s; Pos: 30th).
"The good thing is we've had a completely reliable car throughout the two days, and again
today we covered lots of laps. Mileage is very important, and we need more of the same at
the next test in three weeks to move towards the front for the first race."

Robert Wickens (CAN): (Laps: 42; Best time: 1m20.92s; Pos: 9th).
"I was hoping for more laps today than were possible, but unfortunately it wasn't to be. We
were unable to put in a hot lap in the morning, but during the afternoon we learnt some
things on the car. Unfortunately we were never able to see what car is capable of on soft
tyres, but I can't wait to come back to Europe for another go in a GP3 car."